The 29th annual Crop Walk will start at 1:15 p.m. Feb. 24 at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. Grand marshal will be the Rev. Dr. Scott Moncrieff of North Lakeland Presbyterian Church, honoree is Sheriff Grady Judd. A group will perform contemporary, bluegrass and country music. One quarter of donations remain in Lakeland to be distributed to charities and the other 75 percent is distributed through Church World Service.

"GOURMET GENTS"

The Polk County Chapter of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. will host its 10th annual "Gourmet Gents" event from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 24 at Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City. The culinary tasting showcases the skills of more than 50 distinguished gentlemen who boast that they are indeed "gourmet chefs." These civic and business leaders volunteer their time to provide scholarships and professional development opportunities to eligible individuals. There will also be music, entertainment and door prizes. Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for those 12 and younger. Call 299-7177.

RUMMAGE, BOOK AND BAKE SALE

The United Methodist Women of New Horizon Church will hold their annual rummage, book and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 23 at 201 Oak Ave. E., Haines City. All proceeds go toward mission work.

PURPLE DAY — WALK FOR EPILEPSY

Wear purple and walk to raise funds for the Epilepsy Services Foundation on March 2 at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost for adults is $20 by Feb. 27, $25 after; $5 for children 5 and younger; $90 for a team of five by Feb. 27, $100 after Feb. 27. Proceeds from the event provide scholarships to send children to Camp Boggy Creek. Call 813-374-8907.

CONCERT

Comedian and musician Jim Stafford will perform at the Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven at 3 p.m. Feb. 28, 7 p.m. March 1 and 7 p.m. March 2. The performances benefit Webber International University Department of Athletics. For tickets, call 638-2953 or email heathwl@webber.edu.

ADOPT-A-SENIOR PROJECT

Polk Schools' Learning Support Division in conjunction with the district's Hearth Project is collecting items for graduating students who are displaced or have no permanent home. The project has identified 84 seniors who are in these circumstances. The following items are being collected: monetary donations, food gift cards, rolls of quarters, pods laundry detergent, bus passes, first aid kits, washcloths, towels, sunscreen wipes/towelettes, twin sheet sets. Donations should be mailed to Sunshine Committee, Learning Support Division, Polk County Public Schools, 270 Bartow Municipal Airport, Bartow, FL 33831, by April 15.

FAIRY GODMOTHER, INC.

Fairy Godmother, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides prom dresses to students, many of whom live in shelters, group homes or very low income households. It also reaches out to the learning disabled and physically and mentally handicapped students. Eagle Ridge Mall has donated a vacant store-front to collect dresses and accessory donations through February. To donate, sponsor or volunteer, visit www.mypromdress.org.

TABLESCAPE EVENT

See amazing designs and great ideas for entertaining at "Entertaining Styles," a tablescape event presented by The Garden Club of Winter Haven. The event will be held March 7 Lake Region Yacht & Country Club. Tours will be offered 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 4:30-6:30 p.m. for $15. Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is $15 additional. Wine and cheese from 4:30-6:30 p.m. is also $15 additional. For tickets, call 297-9387 or email gcwhtablescapes@gmail.com.

FIRE AND ICE BALL

Santa Fe Catholic High School will celebrate its 30th annual Renaissance Dinner Auction on March 9. Call 665-4188.

[ Good Causes is a listing of upcoming fundraisers and worthwhile projects that benefit the community. Tell readers about your favorite charity or fundraiser. Send a brief message about your event. Include a full name and phone number for publication. Include a snapshot to illustrate your good cause. Photos cannot be returned but may be picked up after publication. If you are interested in scheduling a photo, please contact Barb Stuewe at 802-7510. Photos are limited to five people or less. Address materials to GOOD CAUSES, The Ledger, P.O. Box 408, Lakeland 33802, fax to 802-7809 or email features@theledger.com. We need your material at least three weeks before the event. ]